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Popular Science’s January 30, 2023 roundup named five under-desk footrests, spanning foam cushions and a wooden rocking design. Those are the guide’s 2023 selections—not a verified ranking of products available in 2026. The right format depends on whether your feet need a stable lift, a softer surface, or room to rock, and on the clearance under your desk.
Popular Science’s five under-desk footrests for 2023
In its roundup, updated January 30, 2023, Popular Science selected products based on factors including peer recommendations, personal experience, user impressions, critical reviews, washability, material and adjustability. The labels below are the article’s categories, not a current ranking or a guarantee of fit.
| 2023 selection | What the guide reported | Fit considerations reported |
|---|---|---|
| ComfiLife Foot Rest for Under Desk — best overall | Memory-foam cushion measuring 17.5 × 12 × 6 inches, with a washable cover and a shape that can be flipped for rocking. | The guide says the height is not adjustable and that it may not suit very short users. Measurements and features are the guide’s reported specifications, not a current independent check. |
| Everlasting Comfort Office Foot Rest for Under Desk — best for pregnancy | One of the guide’s five picks; see the original roundup for the features and drawbacks it reported. Current product versions and any safety or certification claims need direct verification. | Do not assume the category label establishes a medical benefit or that current versions match the 2023 listing. |
| Humanscale FM 300 Foot Machine Footrest — best wooden | The guide describes a wooden footrest with rolling or rocking action and three-inch height adjustment. | It reports that the anti-slip texture may feel scratchy on bare feet and that rolling may be less smooth. Confirm current model naming and specifications with the manufacturer. |
| Cushion Lab Ergonomic Foot Rest — best ergonomic | One of the guide’s five picks; see the original roundup for its reported features and drawbacks. | The 2023 category label is editorial, not evidence of a clinical result. Check current specifications before comparing it with other cushions. |
| Basic Concepts Under Desk Foot Rest — best budget | The guide describes a foam cushion with a washable cover. | It reports that some reviewers experienced sinking or sliding on hardwood. These are individual review observations, not universal defects. |
Read the Popular Science roundup for its original descriptions. Product names, dimensions, covers and other features can change; verify the current listing before buying.
Choose a format that fits your setup
Foam cushion
A cushion offers a softer contact surface and may have a removable or washable cover. The ComfiLife and Basic Concepts examples in the 2023 roundup are cushions; that guide reports that the ComfiLife has a fixed height. A fixed-height cushion is a poor match if its lift leaves your knees or desk position uncomfortable, so check the actual dimensions against your seated setup.
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#1 Best Overall
CasaZenith Foot Rest, Six Heights Adjustable Foot Rest Under Desk at Work
- Desk Foot Rest with 6 Six Height Adjustment: Our foot stool can be adjusted according to your height, office chair height, and desk height, allowing you to have an ergonomic sitting posture. The adjustable foot rest comes in six different heights (3.1", 3.9", 4.9", 5.7", 6.5", 7.3") to help you find your most comfortable sitting position. The height can be adjusted by rotating the screws on both sides of the footrest under the desk, which is easy to operate.
- Ergonomic Footrest Under Desk: Using an ergonomically designed footrest under your desk is good for your body. The footrest can raise the center of gravity of the lower body, and with the support of the feet, keep the back straight without oppressing the thighs, thereby maintaining a comfy sitting posture. Regular use of an under-desk footstool can also help relieve back stress and pain, reduce fatigue caused by sitting for long periods, and help you feel more energetic every day.
- Under Desk Foot Massager: Our feet rest for under desk features a small-particle massage surface and four massage rollers. While working, place your feet on the foot rests under your desk and roll the rollers. It can not only massage the soles of the feet but also promote blood circulation and completely relax the legs.
- Durable and Sturdy Under Desk Foot Stool: The black office foot stools are made of high-quality materials Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS). The legs of the desk footrest have non-slip pads at the bottom to prevent slipping, allowing you to enjoy foot massage more easily. What’s more, the office footstool won’t deform or collapse like a memory foam pad, it's easier to clean than a memory foam pad.
- Various Applicable Scenarios: The footrest under the desk is detachable, making it easier for you to carry out. You can enjoy the massage foot rest anywhere whether it is an airplane, office, home, travel, or computer gaming.
Rigid adjustable platform
A platform is a useful option to compare when you want a firmer, more defined support surface or an adjustment mechanism. Steelcase lists a curved, non-skid surface and four height positions from 2 to 6 inches off the floor; its page says to rotate the arms forward to adjust it. UPLIFT Desk lists four tilt angles—6, 12, 16 and 25 degrees—with a rubber grooved top. These are manufacturer-listed features, not independent comfort findings.
Wooden rocking or rolling footrest
The Humanscale FM 300 was the wooden, movement-oriented pick in the 2023 guide. Rocking or rolling may appeal if you prefer to change foot position, while a stationary platform may suit someone who wants a fixed surface. Try to assess the movement and surface with the footwear you normally wear; texture that grips shoes can feel different against bare feet.
Rank #2
Sale
BlissTrends Foot Rest Under Desk, Foot Stool with 2 Adjustable Heights
- [Comfortable Experience] The BlissTrends foot rest has two layers: the lower layer measures 16.2"*9.9"*2.0", and the upper layer is 3.7" thick. The foot stool is ergonomically designed with sufficient height and curvature to better relieve the pressure on your limbs and discomfort when sitting for long periods of time
- [Adjustable Height] Our foot rest is a two-piece set with touch fasteners between the upper and lower layers so you can adjust the height of the foot rest according to your usage needs. When you want to adjust the thickness of the foot rest, you only need to pull the zipper and touch fasteners between the two layers of the foot rest to switch the thickness
- [Easy to Clean] The cover of the foot rest is installed with a zipper and it can be easily removed for machine washing. The foot rest’s fabric is easy to clean. The foot rests are perfect for the office. You only need to wash regularly, you can enjoy the comfort of the foot rests for a long time
- [High Quality Material] The core of the foot pillow is made of high quality foam, which is supportive and does not easily collapse or lose shape. The bottom of the foot pillow is made with a non-slip design, which ensures that the foot pillow does not easily shift when being used
- [Multiple Use Options] The foot rest can be used under your feet or behind your knees. Whether in the office or on the go the foot rest can make sitting more comfortable. Also great as an airplane footrest. You will gradually develop the correct sitting habits in the process of using the foot rest under desk at work, which can effectively relieve the pressure on your spine and allow your body to be more stretched
Compare the dimensions and adjustments that matter
- Height and tilt: Match the lift or angle to your chair, foot position and desk clearance. Height adjustment and tilt adjustment solve different fit problems; a platform with several angles does not necessarily change its height.
- Width and depth: Check the product’s current measurements against available floor space and how you rest your feet. The ComfiLife dimensions above are those reported in the 2023 guide and may not describe a revised listing.
- Movement: Decide whether you want a stable surface or a rocking/tilting action. Movement is a preference and design feature, not proof of a circulation benefit.
- Surface and grip: Consider texture, non-skid features and your floor type. The 2023 guide relays reports of sliding on hardwood for some Basic Concepts users; individual results can vary.
- Material and cleaning: Compare wood, rigid platform surfaces and foam. If easy cleaning matters, confirm whether the cover is removable and washable in the current product instructions.
- Clearance and location: Measure the space beneath the desk and account for nearby chair legs, cables or other obstructions. If the footrest will be shared between desks or users, check how easily it can be moved and adjusted.
Current manufacturer examples to compare
| Example | Manufacturer-listed features | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Steelcase Adjustable Foot Rest | Four height positions from 2 to 6 inches off the floor; curved, non-skid surface; adjustment by rotating the arms forward. The page lists North America as the available region. | Confirm current regional availability, product dimensions, warranty and price. Steelcase describes the surface as intended to help users sit or stand more comfortably; that is manufacturer wording, not an independent outcome finding. |
| UPLIFT Desk Adjustable Footrest E3 | Four listed angles: 6, 12, 16 and 25 degrees; rubber grooved top; manufacturer-stated 15-year warranty. | Confirm current availability, dimensions, warranty terms and price on the live listing. Warranty and feature details are manufacturer claims. |
These examples illustrate different adjustment approaches; they are not an independently tested comparison or a 2026 “best” list. Compare live specifications with the 2023 guide’s historical picks rather than assuming one format is superior.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What a footrest can—and cannot—establish about ergonomics
NIOSH describes ergonomics as fitting work and job demands to workers’ capabilities, and notes that awkward postures can contribute to or worsen work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Its guidance does not establish that a footrest alone prevents injury, relieves back pain or improves circulation. Choose based on workstation fit and comfort, not a promised medical outcome. See NIOSH’s ergonomics overview.
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Rank #3
CasaZenith Foot Rest Under Desk at Work, Foot Stools for Under Office Desk
- Ergonomic Office footrest: Foot area surface measuring 13" by 9.6". Our footstools under the table provide all-day foot massage. Keeping your feet and legs elevated will help improve your posture. Rest your foot at work or when resting at home after a long day at the office.
- Comfort & Swingable: Our footrest can swing forward or backward to bring you the comfort you want. Supporting your feet reduce leg pressure, improves sitting posture and relieves fatigue from sedentary activities.
- Durable and Easy to Clean: Our footrest stool is made of premium thickened pp material, the bottom has a non-slip pad to Increase friction to prevent sliding. This foot rest can be cleaned directly. Very convenient.
- Textured surface with Massage and Rollers: Our footstool can be used for foot massage, which can promote blood circulation, the design of the roller meets the needs of office workers to relieve stress. Foot moves with the roller to get more relaxed and cozy feeling.
- Portable & Lightweight: Snap-on design, easy to assemble, no other tools required. Can easily fit into backpacks and handbags without taking up too much space. You can easily carry this footrest to the office, home, or travel.
Fellowes’ educational page suggests considering adjustability, texture, rocking movement, environmental attributes and portability. That is manufacturer-authored advice; attribute any claimed benefits to Fellowes rather than treating them as independent clinical evidence. See Fellowes’ footrest guidance.
Quick Recap
Best Value
Sale
HUANUO Adjustable Foot Rest for Under Desk with Massage Surface and Tilt
- Ergonomic Office footrest - Helps to improve posture by keeping your feet and legs elevated. Rest your legs in your office while working, or at home after a long day, Man Gifts as Office Desk and PC Gaming Accessories
- Adjustable Height - Height is manually adjustable to 3 different positions: 4.3" , 5.5 ", 6.7" (11cm/14 cm/17cm). Super easy for you to find the perfect position to suit your needs
- Easy Angle Adjustment - Tilts -30°- +30°to support your legs at your preferred angle. The Angle can't be fixed, which rocks back and forth which encourages leg movement
- Massage Textured Surface - Comes with a large non-skid surface (17.13" X 13.19"), free-floating platform texture made up of geometric circular bumps for enhanced stress reduction during the work day. Perfect for office and home use
- Pre-Assembled For Use- This adjustable foot rest is pre-assembled for immediate use. Non slip feet enhances overall stability. Sturdy construction offer you comfortable experience while you’re working or studying
Rank #4
Sale
TranquilRelax Foot Rest Under Desk, 3-Height Adjustable Foot Stool, Black
- Ergonomic Comfort: This foot rest features a height and curvature that supports your legs, easing pressure from sitting for hours. It's designed to improve comfort while helping you maintain a healthier posture
- Adjustable Height: Featuring a three-layer design with a 3.7" thick main foot rest and two 2" thick base layers, this foot rest allows for flexible height adjustments. Each layer can be easily attached or removed with touch fasteners, ensuring optimal comfort
- Premium Material: Crafted from high-density foam, this foot rest provides strong, lasting support without sinking or losing shape. The non-slip bottom keeps it stable wherever you use it, making it a reliable choice for long-term comfort and stability
- Easy to Clean: The removable cover with a zipper is machine washable, making maintenance a breeze and keeping your foot rest fresh for everyday use. Just unzip, machine wash, and enjoy, perfect for daily use at home or work
- Versatile Design: Use it under your desk for ergonomic leg support, under your knees for extra comfort, or flip it into a rocking foot rest for relaxation. This compact, adaptable foot rest brings comfort wherever you need it
Check before you buy
- Measure your setup: Note the space under your desk, your seated foot position and the clearance needed to move your chair.
- Choose the needed adjustment: Decide whether you need a height change, a tilt angle, a softer cushion or movement. Do not treat these as interchangeable features.
- Verify the current product: Check the manufacturer’s live page for model name, dimensions, surface, adjustment range, care instructions, availability in your region and warranty terms.
- Compare the total cost: Confirm current price, shipping and return terms for your location. Stable current prices for all five 2023 picks are not established here.
- Assess comfort in use: Where possible, check whether the surface and grip work with your usual shoes or bare feet and whether the unit stays put on your floor.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
